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Neon Scars #2
Missing Piece
When addiction recovery meets immortal obsession, some hungers can't be cured—they can only be claimed.
Adam Nolan is thirty days sober and barely hanging on when a chance encounter behind a seedy strip club changes everything. Drugged, kidnapped, and chained in a remote farmhouse, he becomes the latest "trial" for Vincent Bellenger—a century-old vampire with a reputation for breaking humans who dare to defy him.
But Vincent didn't expect Adam's fierce resistance or the way those defiant green eyes would shatter every wall he'd built around his dead heart. What begins as a twisted game of predator and prey evolves into something far more genuine desire.
As Adam fights to survive Vincent's dark appetites, he discovers something terrifying—he's falling for the monster who stole his freedom. When a vengeful vampire cult threatens their twisted sanctuary, both men must decide what they're willing to sacrifice for a love that should never exist.
With enemies closing in and Adam's hard-won sobriety hanging by a thread, Vincent faces an impossible remain the ruthless predator he's always been, or become something new for the human who taught his dead heart to beat again.
Some addictions destroy you. Others save you. This one might do both.
Content This book contains mature themes including addiction, violence, kidnapping, and explicit sexual content. Intended for adult readers.
Perfect for fans of morally complex vampires, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and love stories forged in darkness.
Adam Nolan is thirty days sober and barely hanging on when a chance encounter behind a seedy strip club changes everything. Drugged, kidnapped, and chained in a remote farmhouse, he becomes the latest "trial" for Vincent Bellenger—a century-old vampire with a reputation for breaking humans who dare to defy him.
But Vincent didn't expect Adam's fierce resistance or the way those defiant green eyes would shatter every wall he'd built around his dead heart. What begins as a twisted game of predator and prey evolves into something far more genuine desire.
As Adam fights to survive Vincent's dark appetites, he discovers something terrifying—he's falling for the monster who stole his freedom. When a vengeful vampire cult threatens their twisted sanctuary, both men must decide what they're willing to sacrifice for a love that should never exist.
With enemies closing in and Adam's hard-won sobriety hanging by a thread, Vincent faces an impossible remain the ruthless predator he's always been, or become something new for the human who taught his dead heart to beat again.
Some addictions destroy you. Others save you. This one might do both.
Content This book contains mature themes including addiction, violence, kidnapping, and explicit sexual content. Intended for adult readers.
Perfect for fans of morally complex vampires, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and love stories forged in darkness.
429 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2025
11 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Gale Ian Tate
9 books81 followersGale writes the kind of mm dark/gray romance that makes you question your life choices in the best possible way. When not crafting morally questionable characters doing questionable things, she can be found buried in a book, rolling dice in yet another D&D campaign, or frantically crocheting while binge-watching whatever series has stolen her soul.
She is a gaming enthusiast, horror movie aficionado, and BL manhwa collector who believes the best stories live in those deliciously gray areas. Between wrangling her four kids and making elaborate to-do lists (that will definitely be ignored), she is always down to geek out over a good book rec or debate which problematic character deserves more love.
She is a gaming enthusiast, horror movie aficionado, and BL manhwa collector who believes the best stories live in those deliciously gray areas. Between wrangling her four kids and making elaborate to-do lists (that will definitely be ignored), she is always down to geek out over a good book rec or debate which problematic character deserves more love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 10, 2025
To fully enjoy this stor I think it’s necessary to read book one first. There are overlapping events between the books and I would’ve been lost if I hadn’t read them forever first book.
I enjoyed this. In some ways I liked this better than the first book but in some ways I didn’t. I do think the story dragged a bit and the author could cut certain repetition out. In both books I felt like I was reading them forever.
I really love the Matteo Luka, Petrov, and Tariq! Matteo and Luka are the most fascinating characters, especially Matteo. The entire group of characters are interesting and I do still love the way the author has portrayed vampires.
Adam was such a broken character and I liked being in his head as he sorted everything out. I didn’t feel as much of a connection with Vincent but I also thought that he is still working through a lot. He has to put on an act to make other vampires think he cannot be messed with but he is a very sensitive and loving man who just wants to take care of Adam.
There was a big loose end that I am interested to find out if it will be a part of future books. I’m excited to find out who the next book will focus on.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this. In some ways I liked this better than the first book but in some ways I didn’t. I do think the story dragged a bit and the author could cut certain repetition out. In both books I felt like I was reading them forever.
I really love the Matteo Luka, Petrov, and Tariq! Matteo and Luka are the most fascinating characters, especially Matteo. The entire group of characters are interesting and I do still love the way the author has portrayed vampires.
Adam was such a broken character and I liked being in his head as he sorted everything out. I didn’t feel as much of a connection with Vincent but I also thought that he is still working through a lot. He has to put on an act to make other vampires think he cannot be messed with but he is a very sensitive and loving man who just wants to take care of Adam.
There was a big loose end that I am interested to find out if it will be a part of future books. I’m excited to find out who the next book will focus on.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2025
This story is so excellently connected to the first. I was initally apprehensive about reading an entire story about Adam and Vincent’s relationship given the sneak peeks we see in the first book, however those scenes are born out of situations beyond their control. The actual relationship is very sweet and supportive.
I loved the interactions between Vincent and the brothers, Matteo remains my strong favourite out of the set, and it’s clear through their conversations and easy rapport that they care a lot about each other. It’s a natural kind of relationship and I’m so happy we got to see it in this story.
Adam is an interesting character as well, flawed and freshly sober, he is a good match to Vincent’s showmanship and uncertainty. It’s a nice change to Caleb in the first novel as Adam is more sure of himself, even if this is sometimes in a negative fashion.
The storyline has moments where it brushes against the plot of the first but, as it doesn’t need to spend the time educating the reader on the universe, it spends more time in the initially quick but slow build of the relationship, not just between Adam and Vincent but Adam and the brothers and the world at large.
This is such a fun read, I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series. Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC.
I loved the interactions between Vincent and the brothers, Matteo remains my strong favourite out of the set, and it’s clear through their conversations and easy rapport that they care a lot about each other. It’s a natural kind of relationship and I’m so happy we got to see it in this story.
Adam is an interesting character as well, flawed and freshly sober, he is a good match to Vincent’s showmanship and uncertainty. It’s a nice change to Caleb in the first novel as Adam is more sure of himself, even if this is sometimes in a negative fashion.
The storyline has moments where it brushes against the plot of the first but, as it doesn’t need to spend the time educating the reader on the universe, it spends more time in the initially quick but slow build of the relationship, not just between Adam and Vincent but Adam and the brothers and the world at large.
This is such a fun read, I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series. Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC.
July 10, 2025
So, the first thing I did after finishing this book was go back and read the first one on Kindle. Not only was I attached to the characters in this story, but I wanted to read where it all began. I love a series where you don't have to read all the books in order to get the full story, so I picked this up to see if it was going to be exciting.
And it was.
I always like the way an author can utilise topics like addiction well - research always matters. Following Adam on his way to being clean was really interesting. While technically he was clean, he was still thinking about it all the time. And what I loved was that it was clear he was replacing one addiction with another - the author didn't shy away from making that clear.
The vampire plot was really interesting - from the vampirism being considered a 'beast' to them not being fully in control.
Vincent was an idiot. Full stop. But it was so fun to read. He was the type to realise his feelings, but then feel the need to cover it up with macho bullshit. It made me laugh and also shake my screen a few times.
I think Adam was a perfect imperfect character that we could really enjoy. He was a bully, a drug addict, and was missing some pieces of his body. But that's what made him so interesting. Uncovering why he was a bully was interesting - it doesn't dim what he did, but realising he was a victim too was good - and watching him grow and be able to apologise was so important as a reader.
If you're looking for a good mm vampire romance, look no further!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
And it was.
I always like the way an author can utilise topics like addiction well - research always matters. Following Adam on his way to being clean was really interesting. While technically he was clean, he was still thinking about it all the time. And what I loved was that it was clear he was replacing one addiction with another - the author didn't shy away from making that clear.
The vampire plot was really interesting - from the vampirism being considered a 'beast' to them not being fully in control.
Vincent was an idiot. Full stop. But it was so fun to read. He was the type to realise his feelings, but then feel the need to cover it up with macho bullshit. It made me laugh and also shake my screen a few times.
I think Adam was a perfect imperfect character that we could really enjoy. He was a bully, a drug addict, and was missing some pieces of his body. But that's what made him so interesting. Uncovering why he was a bully was interesting - it doesn't dim what he did, but realising he was a victim too was good - and watching him grow and be able to apologise was so important as a reader.
If you're looking for a good mm vampire romance, look no further!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 15, 2025
FINALLY!
I actually can’t explain how excited I was for this to finally be out! (GIT has had a busy life recently so it was understandably delayed!)
So book two sort of runs along the same timeline as book one; so if you’ve read book 1 a while ago I’d advise a re-read beforehand :)
I really enjoyed this book; you can tell this is quite a newbie author but it’s still well written :)
Vincent starts off being a grade A nobhead but in my opinion he redeems himself adorably 🥺
GIT captures the mind of a recovering addict really well in my opinion based off of what I’ve learned from working with patients with substance abuse issues; and the complexities it brings to family dynamics (especially when they’re already complicated by child loss as they are in this book)
I’m also really glad him and Caleb have a heart to heart at the end of this book 🥺🥺 I’m wondering how things will continue surrounding their lives though- as they may not survive a change to vampirism? So we shall see how that goes…
I’m also so excited to hear more about the twins and their brother!
I also think she captures the complexities surrounding disabilities really well; one character is deaf, another cannot speak and Adam has a prosthetic foot and I feel these are captured really well.
TW-
Discussion of previous torture
Violence and discussion on blood (obvs for a vamp books really)
M/M
Power exchange
Previous drug abuse and addiction
Attempted rape (not between the main characters)
*arc review*
I actually can’t explain how excited I was for this to finally be out! (GIT has had a busy life recently so it was understandably delayed!)
So book two sort of runs along the same timeline as book one; so if you’ve read book 1 a while ago I’d advise a re-read beforehand :)
I really enjoyed this book; you can tell this is quite a newbie author but it’s still well written :)
Vincent starts off being a grade A nobhead but in my opinion he redeems himself adorably 🥺
GIT captures the mind of a recovering addict really well in my opinion based off of what I’ve learned from working with patients with substance abuse issues; and the complexities it brings to family dynamics (especially when they’re already complicated by child loss as they are in this book)
I’m also really glad him and Caleb have a heart to heart at the end of this book 🥺🥺 I’m wondering how things will continue surrounding their lives though- as they may not survive a change to vampirism? So we shall see how that goes…
I’m also so excited to hear more about the twins and their brother!
I also think she captures the complexities surrounding disabilities really well; one character is deaf, another cannot speak and Adam has a prosthetic foot and I feel these are captured really well.
TW-
Discussion of previous torture
Violence and discussion on blood (obvs for a vamp books really)
M/M
Power exchange
Previous drug abuse and addiction
Attempted rape (not between the main characters)
*arc review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 18, 2025A different take on vampire romance! Definitely what I expected! I think the author should have explained the world of this vampires a little more and Adam disapears and no one looks for him? Police, friends, enemies , family?
I loved that it was not one of those insta love vampire books. Most of them are and this one took a different take.
I loved that it was not one of those insta love vampire books. Most of them are and this one took a different take.
July 2, 2025
4.5! I loved this one! Adam and Vincent were nothing like I was expecting. This book starts before the events of Surface Scratch and eventually overlaps. I don’t think you need to read book 1 to read book 2, but it definitely makes the experience of this book better.
I was nervous for these two because of their dynamic you get a glimpse of in book 1. However once you get into it you quickly see how what you thought was going on is not what was really going on at all. The overlap
scenes with their perspective instead was sooooo good.
I loved it. It changed how I see the first book. Loved. It.
I thought both Adam and Vincent had great character development and I enjoyed their backstories so much! There were so many sweet moments between them (exceptional for the “touch him and die” lovers and “soft only for you” people alike).
The sweet moments were well balanced with the dark! And as with the first book this one was Dark. The violence was so well done and always with a plot purpose. You got a great balance of hurt with comfort and it was just really enjoyable to read. The plot with Richard was slow to develop but then once it did it was like 0-100.
As with Caleb, I loved how tough Adam is. So badass, it’s a perfect mix for me of holding their own and then also being taken care of by their “monsters”.
My only small complaint was some scenes just felt like they were missing a small something, I was just looking for more of a hook, but overall the book was very emotional and I’m a sucker for that.
This also had a personal pet peeve of mine: rough/intense sex right after a bad injury. But that’s entirely a personal thing for me lol
I loved this book, I think it was bounds more developed than book 1 in the series. The characters were endearing, it had a lot of my favorite tropes, and the plot was interesting. Bring on book 3!
I was nervous for these two because of their dynamic you get a glimpse of in book 1. However once you get into it you quickly see how what you thought was going on is not what was really going on at all. The overlap
scenes with their perspective instead was sooooo good.
I loved it. It changed how I see the first book. Loved. It.
I thought both Adam and Vincent had great character development and I enjoyed their backstories so much! There were so many sweet moments between them (exceptional for the “touch him and die” lovers and “soft only for you” people alike).
The sweet moments were well balanced with the dark! And as with the first book this one was Dark. The violence was so well done and always with a plot purpose. You got a great balance of hurt with comfort and it was just really enjoyable to read. The plot with Richard was slow to develop but then once it did it was like 0-100.
As with Caleb, I loved how tough Adam is. So badass, it’s a perfect mix for me of holding their own and then also being taken care of by their “monsters”.
My only small complaint was some scenes just felt like they were missing a small something, I was just looking for more of a hook, but overall the book was very emotional and I’m a sucker for that.
This also had a personal pet peeve of mine: rough/intense sex right after a bad injury. But that’s entirely a personal thing for me lol
I loved this book, I think it was bounds more developed than book 1 in the series. The characters were endearing, it had a lot of my favorite tropes, and the plot was interesting. Bring on book 3!
July 4, 2025
ARC Edition
For a M/M storyline, opening the book with a comments about women's breasts was an interesting choice!
What better place to celebrate 30 days sober but at a strip club? Hanging with your sponsor, having drinks, and watching the dancers? Oh, that's sober for NA, not AA. Adam is addicted to pills not booze. He is eyeing the men by the door more than he is watching the dancers. And one of the men seems to be eyeing him back...
Adam just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. He ends up drugged, kidnapped, and held hostage by the guy at the club. Vincent, a guy who isn't human, but a vampire.... Seems Adam doesn't just have a smart mouth that tends to get him in trouble, but he might just have a bondage kink... Adam may be able to survive being sober, but will he survive Vincent?
"He had so many days clean he had lost count. So many days without even thinking about using…"
"The allure of oblivion called to him, promising an end to the torment..."
"You don’t deserve love.
You’re meant to be alone.
You only deserve the love of a monster that will kill you."
Great cast with an amazing array of diversity. These are not your standard runway model versions of vampires. I like how the vampires have a "beast" within that is very reminiscent the "Venom" series. Now I have to go find a copy of book one in the series!
For a M/M storyline, opening the book with a comments about women's breasts was an interesting choice!
What better place to celebrate 30 days sober but at a strip club? Hanging with your sponsor, having drinks, and watching the dancers? Oh, that's sober for NA, not AA. Adam is addicted to pills not booze. He is eyeing the men by the door more than he is watching the dancers. And one of the men seems to be eyeing him back...
Adam just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. He ends up drugged, kidnapped, and held hostage by the guy at the club. Vincent, a guy who isn't human, but a vampire.... Seems Adam doesn't just have a smart mouth that tends to get him in trouble, but he might just have a bondage kink... Adam may be able to survive being sober, but will he survive Vincent?
"He had so many days clean he had lost count. So many days without even thinking about using…"
"The allure of oblivion called to him, promising an end to the torment..."
"You don’t deserve love.
You’re meant to be alone.
You only deserve the love of a monster that will kill you."
Great cast with an amazing array of diversity. These are not your standard runway model versions of vampires. I like how the vampires have a "beast" within that is very reminiscent the "Venom" series. Now I have to go find a copy of book one in the series!
June 29, 2025
This was a bit dark, a bit sweet, and over all really well written. I didn't realise for a while that the event of this book were previous to/concurrent with the previous book in the series, but they work well together without having had to read the other. The disability and addiction rep in this book was awesome, though the themes of abuse were hard to read at times. Both Adam and Vincent have to overcome their past selves to build their future together. The overarching plot was interesting as well, and I am looking forward to seeing stories for the other vampires in this circle.
July 6, 2025
Highly recommended to read Book 1 first to understand the background of what's happening.
Vincent can't believe this human would completely snub him. But things aren’t always what they seem on the surface.
Now, Adam is trying to survive after being kidnapped and dropped into Vincent's care. As the two are forced together, they must confront their own fears and secrets.
Will they let down their walls and discover that their meeting may not be a coincidence—but the result of a dark and mysterious force drawing them together?
Vincent can't believe this human would completely snub him. But things aren’t always what they seem on the surface.
Now, Adam is trying to survive after being kidnapped and dropped into Vincent's care. As the two are forced together, they must confront their own fears and secrets.
Will they let down their walls and discover that their meeting may not be a coincidence—but the result of a dark and mysterious force drawing them together?
January 2, 2026
I was curious about Vincent and Adam when I read the first book and very excited to read their story! This occurs during the same timeline as book 1 (highly recommend reading that one first) and it was interesting to see a different perspective of what was happening with Vincent & Adam.
The found family vibes are one of my favorite things about this series. The side characters are delightful and the vampire love interests are softies for their boys. I admired Adam’s resourcefulness and street smarts and I’m glad the humans in this series are actually helpful in dangerous situations.
The found family vibes are one of my favorite things about this series. The side characters are delightful and the vampire love interests are softies for their boys. I admired Adam’s resourcefulness and street smarts and I’m glad the humans in this series are actually helpful in dangerous situations.
July 1, 2025
It is a good book and a couple.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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July 5, 2025RTC
October 21, 2025
Adam and Vincent weren't portrayed in the best light in the previous book.
Their story overlaps with Caleb and Marcus's story.
Adam is also connected to Caleb in a very dark way.
Adam's just trying to get clean and survive sobriety when he sees something he shouldn't have, and now he's thrown headfirst into the unknown supernatural world with Vincent determined to break him.
Adam is so strong and absolutely defiant. He won't give Vincent the satisfaction of breaking.
Together, they form a bond and begin to care for and crave one another.
There's a group after Vincent and by default Adam, so they have to decide what they're willing to fight for.
Their story overlaps with Caleb and Marcus's story.
Adam is also connected to Caleb in a very dark way.
Adam's just trying to get clean and survive sobriety when he sees something he shouldn't have, and now he's thrown headfirst into the unknown supernatural world with Vincent determined to break him.
Adam is so strong and absolutely defiant. He won't give Vincent the satisfaction of breaking.
Together, they form a bond and begin to care for and crave one another.
There's a group after Vincent and by default Adam, so they have to decide what they're willing to fight for.
October 15, 2025
This book was a wild ride! I loved getting to know both Adam and Vincent. They were both a surprise - that’s for sure! The opposite viewpoint on the scenes from book 1 were fun. Also, I didn’t realize that the warehouse at the end was the same warehouse as book 1 until I read the recap in book 3. I’m not sure if that detail is important - but now you know. The warehouse is the same 🤷🏻♀️. And speaking of book 3, I’m so excited to read it that I jumped in before writing this review! All in all, an enjoyable ride so far.
October 14, 2025
It took me a bit to get into the book. Not because it wasn't good, but because of some of the things that can definitely be triggering. So consider yourself warned, and read the trigger warnings before you proceed. To my surprise I warmed up to characters and hope to read more stories about the other side characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2025
This book surprised me, especially with dealing with the two scenes that overlapped books. I thought I knew how Vincent and Adam's story would go, but I was wrong. I loved seeing how each person grew in their journey and the way that the other person influenced that growth. It was also great seeing cameos from my loves in book one! And the ending was chef's kiss. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2025
Vampire romance is my forever weakness and this book? It sank its fangs in deep and didn’t let go. It’s sexy, dark, emotionally wrecking, and has enough enemies to lovers tension to short circuit your brain. Honestly, Vincent might just be my new book boyfriend… and I say that fully aware he’d absolutely ruin me in the best possible way.
Adam is celebrating 30 days sober… by hitting a strip club with his sponsor. Solid life choices. What he doesn't expect? To end the night kidnapped by a brooding, morally grey vampire with cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass and a stare that promises both violence and something far more intimate.
Their dynamic is pure chaos: biting, snarling, tension-laced proximity, and then BOOM the kind of chemistry that burns. But under all that sharp edged banter and simmering heat, there’s something gentler. Something broken. These two are disaster men with damaged hearts, slowly circling each other like predators and prey, not sure who’s hunting who.
There’s blood, violence, and a vampire cult to take down, but the real story is in how they unravel each other. How Vincent sees through Adam’s bravado. How Adam refuses to run from Vincent’s darkness. It’s raw. It’s intense. And when the walls finally come down? It’s scorching.
This isn’t just a spicy vampire romance, it’s a full bodied emotional wrecking ball wrapped in fangs, lust, and slow burn healing. Add in brutal fight scenes, complicated pasts, and those sweet, stolen moments of tenderness between the chaos, and you’ve got everything I crave in a dark romance.
Obsessed is an understatement.
Do yourself a favour, add it to your TBR, and prepare to fall for a monster.
Adam is celebrating 30 days sober… by hitting a strip club with his sponsor. Solid life choices. What he doesn't expect? To end the night kidnapped by a brooding, morally grey vampire with cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass and a stare that promises both violence and something far more intimate.
Their dynamic is pure chaos: biting, snarling, tension-laced proximity, and then BOOM the kind of chemistry that burns. But under all that sharp edged banter and simmering heat, there’s something gentler. Something broken. These two are disaster men with damaged hearts, slowly circling each other like predators and prey, not sure who’s hunting who.
There’s blood, violence, and a vampire cult to take down, but the real story is in how they unravel each other. How Vincent sees through Adam’s bravado. How Adam refuses to run from Vincent’s darkness. It’s raw. It’s intense. And when the walls finally come down? It’s scorching.
This isn’t just a spicy vampire romance, it’s a full bodied emotional wrecking ball wrapped in fangs, lust, and slow burn healing. Add in brutal fight scenes, complicated pasts, and those sweet, stolen moments of tenderness between the chaos, and you’ve got everything I crave in a dark romance.
Obsessed is an understatement.
Do yourself a favour, add it to your TBR, and prepare to fall for a monster.
July 8, 2025
This a paranormal romance with enemies to lovers and of course gay vampires, that shows its own character through its good writing.
This book not only had two very strong main characters who constantly risked their lives for each other. It also shows the biggest character development I’ve seen in a while.
This enemies to lovers takes a different approach by using the subplot of redemption on not only Adam but also Vincent . In different ways both these characters changed a lot. From a junkie who thought his life was meaningless to a person who would risk his own life for someone else. And someone who had forgotten what compassion was to being scared for someone’s well being.
My favourite character is Adam who showed to have a strong will power which allowed him to realise that not everything is what it seems and that there’s more than one option if you take a closer look.
It does contain spice which I don’t normally read but I enjoyed reading it so if you’re looking for a book with vampires this is the book for you.
Last thing even though this is the 2 book in the series it’s not mandatory to read the 1 one first.
Thank you BookSirens for sending me an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book not only had two very strong main characters who constantly risked their lives for each other. It also shows the biggest character development I’ve seen in a while.
This enemies to lovers takes a different approach by using the subplot of redemption on not only Adam but also Vincent . In different ways both these characters changed a lot. From a junkie who thought his life was meaningless to a person who would risk his own life for someone else. And someone who had forgotten what compassion was to being scared for someone’s well being.
My favourite character is Adam who showed to have a strong will power which allowed him to realise that not everything is what it seems and that there’s more than one option if you take a closer look.
It does contain spice which I don’t normally read but I enjoyed reading it so if you’re looking for a book with vampires this is the book for you.
Last thing even though this is the 2 book in the series it’s not mandatory to read the 1 one first.
Thank you BookSirens for sending me an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2025
This a paranormal romance with enemies to lovers and of course gay vampires, that shows its own character through its good writing.
This book not only had two very strong main characters who constantly risked their lives for each other. It also shows the biggest character development I’ve seen in a while.
This enemies to lovers takes a different approach by using the subplot of redemption on not only Adam but also Vincent . In different ways both these characters changed a lot. From a junkie who thought his life was meaningless to a person who would risk his own life for someone else. And someone who had forgotten what compassion was to being scared for someone’s well being.
My favourite character is Adam who showed to have a strong will power which allowed him to realise that not everything is what it seems and that there’s more than one option if you take a closer look.
It does contain spice which I don’t normally read but I enjoyed reading it so if you’re looking for a book with vampires this is the book for you.
Last thing even though this is the 2 book in the series it’s not mandatory to read the 1 one first.
Thank you BookSirens for sending me an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book not only had two very strong main characters who constantly risked their lives for each other. It also shows the biggest character development I’ve seen in a while.
This enemies to lovers takes a different approach by using the subplot of redemption on not only Adam but also Vincent . In different ways both these characters changed a lot. From a junkie who thought his life was meaningless to a person who would risk his own life for someone else. And someone who had forgotten what compassion was to being scared for someone’s well being.
My favourite character is Adam who showed to have a strong will power which allowed him to realise that not everything is what it seems and that there’s more than one option if you take a closer look.
It does contain spice which I don’t normally read but I enjoyed reading it so if you’re looking for a book with vampires this is the book for you.
Last thing even though this is the 2 book in the series it’s not mandatory to read the 1 one first.
Thank you BookSirens for sending me an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens for giving me access to this arc , all opinions are solely my own.
This was an interesting read , I loved the different disability representation and the use of sign language but I don’t know there was just something that really didn’t do it for me with this book.
The random switches from first person to third person were so weird that they sometimes took me out of the book.
Also each chapter had an assigned pov but why was I getting the other characters pov randomly mixed in there as well with not indications that the POVs were switching.
The ending also felt very incomplete, there was no resolution to the major problem they were having , there was no talking about like future plans just an abrupt ending.
Also so nobody even tried to look for Adam?? Not even his father ? I know he mentioned that his dad was indifferent about him but he obviously cared enough to raid Adam’s apartment ?? But not to find him?? That doesn’t make any sense in my opinion but asides that it was an entertaining read , couldn’t put it down when I started it , so if these problems could be solved then it would be a really solid book
This was an interesting read , I loved the different disability representation and the use of sign language but I don’t know there was just something that really didn’t do it for me with this book.
The random switches from first person to third person were so weird that they sometimes took me out of the book.
Also each chapter had an assigned pov but why was I getting the other characters pov randomly mixed in there as well with not indications that the POVs were switching.
The ending also felt very incomplete, there was no resolution to the major problem they were having , there was no talking about like future plans just an abrupt ending.
Also so nobody even tried to look for Adam?? Not even his father ? I know he mentioned that his dad was indifferent about him but he obviously cared enough to raid Adam’s apartment ?? But not to find him?? That doesn’t make any sense in my opinion but asides that it was an entertaining read , couldn’t put it down when I started it , so if these problems could be solved then it would be a really solid book
July 11, 2025
While you don’t have to read the first book I would highly reccomend it to get a feel for Adam and Vincent.
Adam and Vincent are intense to the max. Both characters are multi dimensional and honestly you never really know what version of either you might get.
Please read the TW and make sure the book is right for you.
Adam and Vincent are intense to the max. Both characters are multi dimensional and honestly you never really know what version of either you might get.
Please read the TW and make sure the book is right for you.
Read
July 11, 2025Adam and Vincent are great characters in a compelling story. There are som many things to love about this book including the supporting characters. So give the book a chance.
September 5, 2025
MISSING PIECE is the second book in the Neon Scars series, and the story actually begins before book one, before running on an almost parallel timeline. Adam is a recovering addict, celebrating 30 days sober when we first meet him. Vincent is an old vampire, although not as old as Marcus, who takes Adam after Adam sees too much. Originally, he takes him as a 'trial' (which is explained in the story), but Adam is so much more, and Vincent doesn't know what to do with him!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to this one. I was NOT disappointed. Both Adam and Vincent are complex characters, with plenty of baggage to carry. I loved finding out more about Petrov, Luka, and Matteo, and hope to see more of them in the future.
I would say this is a slow-to-medium-paced story, but it does have both action and down times to catch your breath, as well as s3xy times for Adam and Vincent. Theirs is a complicated relationship, to say the least, especially as Vincent is still bothered about how he is perceived by the other vampires. And although Adam is slightly broken, he still knows where to draw his line in the sand. I loved that!
All in all, I would say read book one to get the full experience, although you don't necessarily have to. I enjoyed every word and look forward to reading more, both in this series and by this author. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 5, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to this one. I was NOT disappointed. Both Adam and Vincent are complex characters, with plenty of baggage to carry. I loved finding out more about Petrov, Luka, and Matteo, and hope to see more of them in the future.
I would say this is a slow-to-medium-paced story, but it does have both action and down times to catch your breath, as well as s3xy times for Adam and Vincent. Theirs is a complicated relationship, to say the least, especially as Vincent is still bothered about how he is perceived by the other vampires. And although Adam is slightly broken, he still knows where to draw his line in the sand. I loved that!
All in all, I would say read book one to get the full experience, although you don't necessarily have to. I enjoyed every word and look forward to reading more, both in this series and by this author. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 5, 2025
June 27, 2025
Review for Neon Scars-2 Missing Piece by Gale Ian Tate
Oh, one of my favorite genres is dark vampire, along with mystery thrown in.
Adam Nolan didn't think his day would lead him to being drugged, kidnapped, and taken to a farmhouse. His life has been hard enough without this happening. Being thirty days sober, he has struggled from day to day to stay sober. So he is being taken to a farmhouse to a century-old vampire who will be breaking him because he dared to defy Vincent. Vincent can't believe this human dares to resist him. The fire in Adams' eyes, full of fire, made Vincent stop and take notice. Living as long as him, he hasn't had someone like Adam fighting him. It starts to break down the walls that Vincent has built over the many years he has lived. How can this human be doing this? Things go from Vincent starts out as the predator but ends up seeing Adam as the one who can feed his dark desires. Will Vincent be able to break this human? Or will he be broken and shown what can be between them?
I can't say enough about how I love this book. I love, love dark vampire/human romance. I can't ever get enough, always looking for more. I'm glad I was given the chance to review this story. Will be looking for more by Gale Ian Tate.
Nicole Harvey
Oh, one of my favorite genres is dark vampire, along with mystery thrown in.
Adam Nolan didn't think his day would lead him to being drugged, kidnapped, and taken to a farmhouse. His life has been hard enough without this happening. Being thirty days sober, he has struggled from day to day to stay sober. So he is being taken to a farmhouse to a century-old vampire who will be breaking him because he dared to defy Vincent. Vincent can't believe this human dares to resist him. The fire in Adams' eyes, full of fire, made Vincent stop and take notice. Living as long as him, he hasn't had someone like Adam fighting him. It starts to break down the walls that Vincent has built over the many years he has lived. How can this human be doing this? Things go from Vincent starts out as the predator but ends up seeing Adam as the one who can feed his dark desires. Will Vincent be able to break this human? Or will he be broken and shown what can be between them?
I can't say enough about how I love this book. I love, love dark vampire/human romance. I can't ever get enough, always looking for more. I'm glad I was given the chance to review this story. Will be looking for more by Gale Ian Tate.
Nicole Harvey
November 12, 2025
I read the third book of this series first and then went back to books one and two. I admit, after the seriously heavy darkness of book three and then the glimpses we see of them in book one, I was a bit afraid to see the development of Adam and Vincent’s story even though I knew it would turn out alright eventually.
BUT as others have commented, we learn that the scenes of them in the first book aren’t what they appeared to be, and while this book definitely has its own darkness, the slowly developing relationship between Adam and Vincent is actually the bright point that makes the struggle and pain worth something.
Please do pay attention to the content warnings, but I would highly recommend this book if you like a vampire romance that’s dark, spicy, and surprisingly sweet.
BUT as others have commented, we learn that the scenes of them in the first book aren’t what they appeared to be, and while this book definitely has its own darkness, the slowly developing relationship between Adam and Vincent is actually the bright point that makes the struggle and pain worth something.
Please do pay attention to the content warnings, but I would highly recommend this book if you like a vampire romance that’s dark, spicy, and surprisingly sweet.
June 23, 2025
While I guess reading book 1 (Surface Scar) isn't absolutely necessary before reading Missing Piece, I strongly recommend it. The added context will help with your enjoyment and understanding of the world and story. If you've read Surface Scar, then you know Adam and Vincent aren't portrayed in the best light. The timeline of Missing Piece overlaps somewhat with Surface Scar, and now you get to see things from the point of view of Vincent and Adam. And things are not all as they seemed in Surface Scar with these two. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters better and watching their story play out. I love a good vampire series, and this one is now on my must-read list.
July 6, 2025
Wow! This book would have been a stunner if it had just focused on the twisted relationship between Vincent and Adam and how each gets under the other's skin in the most amazing and unexpected way. When the author adds in the external threat from the vampire cult, however, everything ratchets up several notches and we get to see this unusual relationship tested to it max. It was interesting to see Adam's struggle to remain sober contrasted with Vincent's vampire cravings.
October 14, 2025
I was offered an ARC of books 1 & 3 after reading book 1 I needed to KU & read this. We meet Adam in book 1. We find that he was in the car that caused Caleb's accident. Although not his fault he always blamed himself & bullied Caleb throughout school. Vincent, a vampire kidnaps Adam after Adam saw something in the alley behind Vincent's club. Vincent's decision to make Adam his pet & latest trial turns into something neither expected. There's angst, violence, addiction but an excellent well written series.
June 28, 2025
OOH, SUCH A FANTASTIC TAKE ON A VAMPIRE ROMANCE!
I found Adam and Vincent to be utterly fascinating. From the start when Adam is taken by Vincent, and learning how he deals with his addiction and being in the vampire world. I found Victor to be so captivating and intriguing. This book had such good twists and a great story. Really loved!
I found Adam and Vincent to be utterly fascinating. From the start when Adam is taken by Vincent, and learning how he deals with his addiction and being in the vampire world. I found Victor to be so captivating and intriguing. This book had such good twists and a great story. Really loved!
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